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The
21st century has just begun. It is fervently hoped that in
the following hundred years, the world
will be at peace and the lives of all people will be enriched.
In retrospect, the 20th century was one in which totalitarianism
and liberalism stood against each other. It was a distressing
century, which saw two devastating world wars.
However, it was also an era of dynamic economic growth
through continuous technological innovation. Japan also
rode this wave as it endeavored to catch up with the West.
This goal was achieved through the unity of its people, and
Japan rose to become the world's second largest economy.
The productivity movement that was introduced as a strategic
initiative for post-war recovery contributed greatly to the
development of Japanese industries through the promotion of
industrial democracy and modern management. This was made
possible by the active support and cooperation of industrial
workers, managers and members of the academia.
As a result, productivity growth was remarkable during this
period. It was even lauded as a miracle by the rest of the world.
As we enter the 21st century, however, Japan is confronted
with many challenging issues. They include the depletion of
the world's natural resources and energy, the deterioration
of the global environment, a low birth rate and an aging society,
the inexorable expansion of the government's financial deficit,
and despair and despondency among its young people. The most serious
of all is the loss of political, governmental and corporate
leadership.
To resolve these difficult issues, a national consensus toward
reform and, above all, the commitment of each individual to
change is strongly needed. If we succeed in our challenge,
new prosperity will be ours, but failure will lead
to decline.
A new national movement suitable for the new century must
be launched. We must abolish the present situation, in which apathy
and vested interests delay reform. Instead we should endeavor
to create a new Japan. This will be the new productivity movement.
The new productivity movement will increase productivity through
drastic reform of the socio-economic system based on the will
of the people as expressed through the increased participation
of industrial workers and managers, members of academia,
consumers, NPO representatives, among others from all levels
of society. It is a movement which will bring about a superior
level of management in various fields.
While adapting itself to a globalized market economy, Japan
will strive to attain greater prosperity and further improve
the welfare of its people through respect for human dignity.
This will be achieved through establishing a totally new Japanese
model of development appropriate for the new century.
No matter how difficult it is, the future growth of our productivity
will depend on our strong determination to overcome
the present situation. Continuous attempts to achieve change will,
indeed, be the productivity movement itself.
This is our declaration for the new century. |
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Japan
Productivity Center for Socio-Economic Development
January 10, 2001 |
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